How to Care for Sepsis in the ER | Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment of Sepsis

In this video we talk about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis from an emergency room perspective.
Sepsis is a suspected or proven infection and symptoms of widespread inflammation.
The people most at risk for sepsis are the very old, the very young, the immunocompromised, those who are malnourished, and those with chronic health problems. Certain medical procedures place people at increased risk to develop sepsis. These medical procedures encompass things like catheters, surgery, chemotherapy, and central lines. Though many different types of bacteria cause sepsis, the primary way these bacteria enter the body is through the genitourinary tract, causing a urinary tract infection.
Bacteria enter the body and stimulate the inflammatory system which causes blood vessel dilation, increases white blood cell count, and activates the clotting system. Blood vessel dilation and the formation of clots decrease oxygen supply to organs, which leads to organ damage.
In the early stages of sepsis, patients will have a fast heart rate (or tachycardia), a fever (typically), pink and warm skin, and a normal systolic blood pressure. As sepsis progresses, decompensation occurs. The body will shunt blood away from the surface of the skin and blood pressure will fall.
As blood flow to the brain falls, patients will become sleepy or confused.
If sepsis is not corrected, it leads to organ failure. The first organ that fails is the kidneys, characterized by an increased creatinine and a low urine output.
Diagnosis of sepsis is based on lab work and vital signs.
The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (widespread inflammation in the body) has 4 criteria. Patient's only need to meet 2 of these criteria and have some sort of infection to be considered septic.
Treatment is aimed at combating the bacterial infection and correcting the hypotension.
IV fluid boluses and antibiotics will be given. If blood pressure remains low even after adequate amounts of IV fluids, pressors (like levophed or norepinephrine) may be needed to bring blood pressure back within normal limits.
Photo taken from unsplash.com
*Disclaimer: This is NOT clinical practice or medical advice. Errors may occur and practices may change. Please consult a physician for medical advice. Nurses and other clinicians, consult the latest literature and hospital policy prior to practicing. As always, if you feel like you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention, go to the hospital, or call 911.*

[@manuelabeltran]

You are a fantastic educator but please increase the volume in this video. Thank you

[@tutatehaja1777]

Excellent video's thank you. Very informative 😊